Mexican Antlion vs Long-horned Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mexican Antlion Long-horned Antlion
Scientific Name Vella americana Distoleon tetragrammicus
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 65-85 mm wingspan 30-40 mm body, 60-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Southwestern United States, Mexico Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mexican Antlion

A robust antlion found across the southern United States and Mexico. Recognized by its large size and boldly marked forewings.

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Did You Know?

Adults are surprisingly strong fliers for antlions and actively hunt small moths at dusk.

Long-horned Antlion

A large antlion with intricately patterned wings and long clubbed antennae. Unlike most antlions, the larvae do not build pit traps.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae hide just beneath the sand surface and lunge at passing prey rather than using pit traps.